IGCSE Computer Science (0478) Syllabus, Papers & Marks
Official source: Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478. Always confirm the syllabus for your exam series against the official Cambridge document.
What is the IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus?
0478 is the Cambridge International (CAIE) IGCSE Computer Science qualification, assessed entirely by two written papers. There is no coursework submitted to Cambridge. Each paper is worth 50% of the final grade, lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and carries 75 marks.
What is the 0478 exam pattern?
| Paper | Covers | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1, Computer Systems | Theory: how computers work, short-answer and structured questions | 1 h 45 m | 75 (50%) |
| Paper 2, Algorithms, Programming and Logic | Pseudocode, trace tables, flowcharts, logic gates, programming scenario | 1 h 45 m | 75 (50%) |
| Total | Two written papers, no coursework | 3 h 30 m | 150 (100%) |
What does each paper actually cover?
Paper 1, Computer Systems. Data representation (binary, hexadecimal, two's complement, character sets, images, sound, compression, and units of data from bit and byte up to TiB), plus the wider theory of how a computer system works.
Paper 2, Algorithms, Programming and Logic. Program development, the design-write-test cycle, decomposition, structure diagrams, validation and verification, and test data (normal, abnormal, extreme and boundary), alongside pseudocode, trace tables, flowcharts and logic gates.
How are marks awarded across the qualification?
Cambridge assesses three objectives: AO1 knowledge and understanding (40%), AO2 application (40%) and AO3 analysis, design and evaluation (20%). In practice Paper 1 leans on AO1 recall while Paper 2 rewards AO2 application, which is why many students score well on theory and still lose marks on programming.
Is 0478 the same as 0984?
Yes, the syllabus content is identical. 0984 is the Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) version, where grades are reported as 9 to 1 instead of A* to G. Choose your revision material by syllabus content, not by the code.
How should you prepare for 0478?
- Treat Paper 1 as a vocabulary exam: marks are awarded for the exact technical terms the mark scheme expects.
- Write real programs rather than only reading pseudocode, because Paper 2 is application-heavy.
- Practise trace tables by hand until they are automatic.
- If programming confidence is the weak point, a structured Python course is the highest-value fix for Paper 2.